6/28/24 UPDATE: Answers to submitted questions are available HERE.
ABOUT VISIT LAUREL & JONES COUNTY:
The Economic Development Authority of Jones County performs all marketing functions to promote Jones County as a destination using the brand of “Visit Laurel & Jones County.” The EDA is a government entity deemed by the Mississippi Legislature, Jones County Board of Supervisors, Cities of Laurel and Ellisville and the towns of Soso and Sandersville as the official organization responsible for tourism promotions for all of Jones County.
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this Request for Quotes (RFQ) is to seek a qualified agency to continue developing the EDA’s overall tourism advertising and public relations strategy through December 31, 2026, including destination marketing and messaging; placement strategy for target markets; integrated marketing activities, including digital marketing, traditional print, broadcast media and other relevant components; public relations initiatives; and production of collateral materials and printing management. Qualified agencies will have a working knowledge of the tourism industry.
The EDA OF JONES COUNTY’s desired partner will have the capacity to provide strategic counsel and direction, actively share and promote the destination’s message, amplify successes, and position Laurel and Jones County as a premier destination in the Gulf South for leisure travel at the national, regional, and local levels.
The EDA OF JONES COUNTY intends to contract with a qualified agency to support its continued recovery efforts, stemmed from the negative economic impacts of COVID-19. This contract will be funded through federal ARPA dollars for Mississippi Tourism Recovery, III.
TIMELINE:
| RFQ available to vendors. | JUNE 14, 2024 |
| Final day to submit questions regarding this RFQ. | JUNE 27 by 5:00 p.m. CDT |
| Questions answered & Notice of Intent to Bid due (if submitting) | JUNE 28 by 5:00 p.m. CDT |
| Quotes due by 12:00 p.m. CDT. | JULY 2 by 12:00 p.m. CDT |
| Quotes evaluated by RFQ committee. | BY JULY 8, 2024 |
| Interviews with final candidates, if necessary. | JULY 9, 2024 |
| Recommendation approved by EDA Board; Contract negotiations begin. | JULY 16, 2024 |
| Project Begins (projected-to be negotiated) | JULY 29, 2024 |
RFQ & SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS:
Quotes due on or before 12:00 p.m. CDT on JULY 2, 2024.
MARKETING & PR AGENCY RFQ (all docs)
ATTACHMENT 1: NOTICE OF INTENT TO BID
ATTACHMENT 2: OFFICIAL CONTACT
ATTACHMENT 3: CERTIFICATION FORM
ATTACHMENT 4: STANDARD CONTRACT
ATTACHMENT 5: SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS
QUESTIONS:
Note that all answers regarding questions and request for clarification for this RFQ will be responded to publicly consistent with the schedule below to ensure that all respondents have the same information.
Email Amanda Roll, amandar@edajones.com, with any questions by June 27, at 5:00 p.m. CDT.
No calls, please.
